Pumping Up
You pull into a service station next to a pump. The next few
things you do could save your life.
Turn off your motor!
If gasoline were to spill as you bring the nozzle to the tank
or as a result of overflow or as you take the nozzle out of the
tank, you risk setting it ablaze. You should be concerned not just
about a hot engine or exhaust pipes, but also any electrical system.
Take your helmet off!
If your helmet is on you cannot determine if a fire has started as
easily as you can without it and, particularly if the helmet is
attached to the bike with an audio system cord, you cannot evacuate
the area quickly should a fire be detected.
Get OFF your motorcycle!
For some reason this step seems to be ignored more often than
any other. Maybe it 'looks' good. Maybe it's just too much work to
get off when you're tired. If there is a gasoline spill your crotch
will get wet. If there's a fire, you want to run like hell. You
don't want to have to get off first.
Keep the nozzle touching the metal
of your bike as much as possible! While the nozzle
is in contact with your bike, you create a ground and reduce the
chance of static electricity.
